INTERTANKO reported on the outcome of the 3000m3 debate at MEPC 56 following review of our and other submissions to the IMO on this issue in Weekly NEWS No. 29/2007 of 20 July 2007.

In our article we advised of the conclusions reached, which included the following statement in the report of the meeting:

"There was also discussion of the practice of downgrading a Ship Type 2 to a Ship Type 3 inorder to maximise the carriage requirements, and whilst some delegates did say that they did not like this approach there was a general agreement that it was not illegal to do so."

Members are advised that the Marshall Islands have issued Technical Circular No.10 (Revision 1) dated 28 August 2007, which advises:

"This Administration does NOT support the issuance or maintenance of dual-certification for both Type 2 Chemical Tanker and Type 3 Chemical Tanker notations simultaneously to Marshall Islands registered vessels. Each instance where upgrading or downgrading between Type 2 and Type 3 notations is sought shall be subject to a full survey for compliance with the applicable IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II (revised) requirements for issuance of the appropriate certification, and removal of the previous certification."